Sport

Chorley face title rivals Skelmersdale

FA TROPHY heroes Chorley have the chance to make a huge stride towards promotion when they welcome title-rivals and current Evo-Stik Premier Division leaders Skelmersdale United to Victory Park tomorrow.

The Magpies, who were knocked out in the last 16 of the Trophy by Conference side Tamworth in a replay on Tuesday night head into the match four points behind the league leaders.

But Garry Flitcroft’s side have four games in hand following their Trophy exploits – where the Magpies knocked out Conference Premier side Forest Green on their way to the third round.

And a victory tomorrow, where Chorley have been beaten just once this season, would cut that gap one point while delivering a psychological blow to Skelmersdale.

And Flitcroft is hopeful striker Adam Mather will have recovered in time for the clash having missed the Trophy loss.

He said: “We are carrying a few knocks but hopefully we can get over them for Saturday.

“Adam Mather was close and hopefully he will be fit.

“If we play like we did against Tamworth against Skelmersdale then we won’t be far away from getting the victory.”

In the Evo-Stik League Division One North Ramsbottom United will bid to further close the gap on the play-off places when they host relegation threatened Radcliffe Borough who start the day second bottom.

The Rams are on a fine run of form and sit five points and two places outside the top five with games in hand on those above them.

Simon Garner’s Clitheroe will also have held realistic play-off ambitions at the start of the season but they have slipped to 11th and 12 points off the pace after a mixed run of form meaning three points at Harrogate Railway Athletic, who begin the day one place below the Blues, is essential.